Your Ultimate Guide to Bioidentical Hormone Pellets: The Benefits & Indications
Bioidentical hormone pellets have been used with great success in the U.S., Europe, and Australia since 1938. In fact, pellet implants were a very popular mode of hormone administration in the U.S. until the 1970s, when many oral and topical commercial products were developed. While the demand for pellets diminished in the U.S., pellet implants continued to be a very popular mode of hormone administration throughout Europe and Australia. In the last 10 years, due to advances made in processes and a better under-standing of the benefits of pellet implants for hormone replacement, this mode of hormone therapy has grown in popularity in the U.S.

70+ years of research has illustrated the benefits of bioidentical hormone pellet implants in both women and men. Pellet implants deliver consistent, physiologic levels of hormones. Pellet dosing is individualized and calculated for each person for optimal results. Pellet implants bypass the liver and don’t negatively impact clotting factors, blood pressure, lipid levels, glucose, or liver function.

Pellet implants have consistently been shown to improve:​

Energy

Weight loss

Muscle Building

Endurance

Cardiovascular Health and Heart Protection

Sex Drive

Libido

Sexual Function (which is often significantly increased in both men and women)

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Bio-identical Hormone Pellet Therapy Effectiveness
Data supports that hormone replacement therapy with pellet implants is the most effective and the most bio-identical method to deliver hormones in both men and women. Implants, placed under the skin, consistently improve hormonal imbalance by releasing small, physiologic doses of hormones and providing optimal therapy.

What are Pellets?
Fused pellet implants are compounded using biologically identical hormones. The hormones are pressed / fused into very small cylinders. Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone and sometimes DHEA, Progesterone and Pregnenalone. The hormones are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘Tic Tac’. In the United States, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile glass vials. There is a ‘FDA approved’ 75 mg testosterone pellet (often used in urology offices.) Currently Stanford Urology center uses testosterone implants.

Why Pellets?
Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-5 months in women and 4-6 months in men. They avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. Estrogen delivered by subcutaneous pellets, maintains the normal ratio of estradiol to estrone. This is important for optimal health and disease prevention. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal symptoms, maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance. Testosterone delivered by a pellet implant, has been used to treat migraine and menstrual headaches. It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency. In both men and women, testosterone has been shown to increase energy, relieve depression, increase sense of well-being, relieve anxiety and improve memory and concentration. Testosterone, delivered by pellet implant, increases lean body mass (muscle strength, bone density) and decreases fat mass. Men and women need adequate levels of testosterone for optimal mental and physical health and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which are associated with low testosterone levels.

Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. There is no other ‘method of hormone delivery’ that is as convenient for the patient as the implants. Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s. There is a significant amount of data to support the delivery method of pellet implants.

How and where are pellets inserted?
Pellet insertion is a relatively simple in-office procedure done with local anesthesia. The pellets are inserted subcutaneously (under the fatty lining of skin), in the upper buttocks through a very small incision (the size of an eraser head). The incision is then closed with sterile-tape strips. Typically, patients cannot feel the implants under their skin. Implants placed under the skin consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones, which have been shown to have many benefits.

How do the pellets work?
Hormone pellets release hormones based on cardiac output. When the heart rate rises the hormones are released into circulation via capillaries that form around the pellets. When the heart rate rises with stress, movement, or exercise, hormones are released in greater quantity, providing greater support for what you are doing or experiencing. When the heart rate is lower with sleep, and rest, less hormone is released, which provides good sleep and calmness. This is one of the greatest benefits of the hormone pellets, is that not only are they giving you more help when you need it but also the right amount of hormone, instead of what most people do – which is forgetting to take the hormone daily, taking the same dose daily even if you need more with stress, and then often not absorbing other methods of hormone therapy.

What are the side effects or complications of pellets?
Complications from the insertion of pellets include; minor bleeding, bruising, or infection at the insertion site (infection is extremely rare). Testosterone stimulates the bone marrow and increases the production of red blood cells. A low testosterone level in older men is a cause of anemia. Testosterone, delivered by implants or other methods, can cause an elevation in the red blood cells. After the insertion of the implants, vigorous physical activity is avoided for 48 hours in women and up to 5 days in men.

Do men need hormone therapy?
Testosterone levels begin to decline in men beginning in their early 30’s. Most men maintain adequate levels of testosterone into their mid 40’s to mid 50’s, some into their late 70’s to early 80’s. Men should be tested when they begin to show signs of testosterone deficiency. Even men in their 30’s can be testosterone deficient and show signs of bone loss, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping, body pain, mental decline, irritability, weight gain, and hair loss. Most men need to be tested around 50 years of age. Men can enjoy the benefits of testosterone therapy most of their lives.

Hormones are the ultimate chemical messengers, constantly communicating information to every area of our body, adapting, and responding to our many complex needs. Produced by our endocrine glands—adrenals, thyroid, pancreas and ovaries or testes—hormones execute essential functions, relay important warnings, and communicate constantly. Essentially, they assure everything is running smoothly. However, due to stress, changes in health, age, environmental factors, disease, prescription drugs, diet, and many other factors, our specific hormone levels and function can be easily thrown off balance.

Many people go years thinking their symptoms are just part of “a busy life” or stress. Stress can make you feel bad, but what you may not know is that, over time, chronic stress process can cause your hormones to be thrown off course. This hormone imbalance is the underlying cause of many symptoms, and often will need proper testing, evaluation, and treatment to restore normal levels.

Identifying and correcting these levels early helps maintain health, energy, longevity, and prevents the onset of chronic disease.

Here are the top 5 common signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalances:

Weight gain, and weight fluctuations

Research shows that hypothyroidism, or low-thyroid function, affects one in five women and one in ten men, and that is suspected to be an underestimation. Unfortunately, this condition isn’t diagnosed in over half of these cases. The thyroid hormone affects practically every cell in the body and regulates our entire metabolic rate. Therefore, excess weight can often point to a slow and underactive thyroid gland, which in turn has caused all metabolic processes to slow down.

In addition, if Cortisol is constantly elevated (seen in many people with stress), in efforts to keep you going, cortisol will directly impact your blood sugar levels by signaling your body to consume more calories and store more fat. Insulin, another weight hormone influencer, regulates your blood sugar levels by being secreted in response to glucose (the basic “sugar” compound). Having too much estrogen or not enough progesterone can also be the driving force behind weight gain. These are just a few examples of how hormones change the body, which become pretty complex – as you can see.

The reality is, many women struggle… despite cutting back on certain foods, working out, doing “everything they should be doing” or even “working twice as hard” to see a small budge. If you find yourself in that category, it may be time to seek out answers and see one of our Peak Medical Providers for labs and thorough evaluation, and treatment options.

Insomnia, persisting fatigue, or BOTH

There are many reasons why someone may be having difficulty sleeping. But if it’s persistent, it’s likely related to your hormones. In addition, people with hormonal imbalances often experience extreme fatigue. Everyone is tired sometimes, but with adequate rest, hydration, and a balanced diet, the fatigue should subside.

If you feel like you are sleeping adequate amounts or maybe even sleeping too much and can’t seem to shake the constant feeling of exhaustion, you may consider having a comprehensive evaluation of your hormone levels. The fatigue could be associated with your hormones. Adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism are more prevalent in our fast-paced society than you may think.

Skin and hair changes

The quality and vitality of your skin and hair is directly related to your hormones. Think of your body as a symphony and your hormones as the instruments. Those instruments, your hormones, must play together in sync in order to have a glowing complexion. When even one is off balance, you can begin developing skin problems such as dryness, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and rosacea. Thyroid abnormalities, for example, may cause dry hair or skin, thinning hair, hair loss or brittle nails.

Low sex drive

It’s no secret that your levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone naturally decline with age, especially during and after menopause. But did you know that they can also be too low or too high for both men and women, and can affect people of all ages? Low levels of estrogen, for example, can have a big impact on your sex drive. You may experience vaginal dryness that can lead to painful intercourse and you may have unstable mood and sleep patterns. Testosterone also is a big factor in libido. Primarily thought of as a male hormone, it is also made by, and just as important to women. Testosterone levels naturally decline in women after menopause, low levels can contribute to the reduction of arousal and sexual response. Progesterone can also have a big impact on your drive and should be evaluated when detecting hormonal imbalances.

Anxiety

Chronic stress has become an epidemic in today’s society. We are exposed to more information than ever before. Excess adrenal stimulation is what we are gaining from this constant overload of stress. Neuroendocrinology is the study of the close relationship between neurotransmitters and hormones, including those produced by the adrenal glands. What you may not know is that, cortisol and norepinephrine, produced and released by the adrenal glands, often underlie the feelings that you may perceive as anxiety. So what many perceive as anxiety and as being all “in their head”, may be an endocrine imbalance. Many people may want a quick fix with an anti-anxiety prescription. They can go a long time without ever exploring if there is another underlying problem that could be treated, all while tackling a new set of problems from medication side effects. Anxiety does not always go hand in hand with a hormone imbalance, but is a top symptom of an imbalance and should be evaluated, especially if other hormonal imbalance symptoms are present.

Our Peak Medical Clinic providers can help you to understand and resolve these imbalances. Hormone management is a delicate and complex matter. Ensuring you are getting tested, evaluated, and treated by a specialized provider can be a big game-changer to your quality of life. Our providers understand hormone imbalance is multifaceted and that thorough evaluation, along with the use of teaching/educating, labs/tests, proper diet, supplements, and natural therapies, should be offered to optimize maximum health and healing. To learn more about our clinics, services, and providers visit us at https://www.peakmedicalclinic.com/ Wishing you health, balance, and vitality!

Why you should be using a multifactorial approach with PRP for Hair Loss

What the heck is PRP and why do I keep hearing about the benefits?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Plasma is the part of our blood responsible for carrying red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In PRP, the patient’s own blood is spun down to the platelet-rich plasma, which many medical professionals refer to as “liquid gold”. This liquid gold, increases the concentration of platelets to up to four times as much as whole blood. Also, it has a much higher concentration of growth factors than normal blood, making it ideal for a variety of health concerns. PRP therapy is an innovative and non-surgical approach to promote healing by naturally using the body’s own healing properties.

Wait, I thought PRP was for sports injuries?

Medical professionals began using PRP therapy over a decade ago to speed up the healing process in damaged joints and ligaments after injuries. Well, how did it work you may ask? The answer is, it worked wonders for top level athletes all over the world, and helped them get back to their game faster by stimulating rapid healing, in some cases helping avoid surgery down the road. Physicians and practitioners started wondering what else this “liquid gold” could be used to heal. It wasn’t long before the world began seeing the remarkable benefits in dermatology and esthetics, especially in regard to hair re-growth.

Scalp PRP for hair loss

Researchers found that high concentrations of platelets in plasma cells help promote hair growth by prolonging the growing phase of the hair cycle.

The procedure works by placing several injections using a tiny needle, to place the plasma exactly where the loss or thinning is occurring on the scalp. These injections are typically administered monthly for three months, then spread out over about three or four months for up to two years. The injection schedule will depend on a variety of factors discussed with your practitioner and the severity and onset of hair loss.

Should I do just PRP? Are there more solutions I can add to maximize the benefits of my procedure?

We get this question a lot because our patients are serious about their concerns and results. This is why we started implementing a multi-factorial approach to hair loss in our clinics.

What makes Peak Medical Clinic so different from other clinics is that we use a system approach for hair loss, essentially addressing all areas of our patient’s health to investigate the cause and create a unique solution, often integrating several approaches.

Along with esthetics, we specialize in primary care, hormone testing with on-site lab draws, adrenal fatigue, weight loss, and many other aspects of men and women’s health. Our practitioners and staff help patients with all areas of health and wellness, which is why it would be crazy for us to think there is just one cause or one solution to hair loss.

Here are 5 factors related to hair loss we address, & aspects we discuss with patients looking to optimize their hair growth & enhance the success of PRP

Hormone testing and treatment- So many hormones imbalances lead to hair loss and thinning, it would take us a long time to dive into this so we will keep it simple for the purposes of this post. In addition, medications we may be taking for a variety of reasons are acting as silent “endocrine disruptors”, and throwing off our balance, which we often see show up in our skin and hair health. At Peak our practitioners are specialized in evaluating patient’s specific hormones panels. Many of our PRP clients have achieved amazing success with balancing their hormones as an addition.

Metabolic causes of hair loss, iron deficiency- Iron is an essential component in an enzyme called ribonucleotide reductase that helps cell growth. When our iron levels are low, we cannot effectively facilitate this cell growth. In fact, hair follicle cells can be particularly sensitive to decreasing levels of iron and are not able to facilitate new cells as effectively when iron stores are low. We like to recommend to our patients our ULTIMATE IRON supplement to help with minor-moderate low iron levels. It is important to know, for best absorption, Iron is best on an empty stomach. Yet, it can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some patients. If you find you do need to take iron with a small amount of food, always avoid taking it at the same time as milk, calcium, or antacids.

Hair products- many people today are not utilizing a shampoo and conditioner that help re-grow their hair. Ironic because, it’s the very thing we do every single day for our hair and scalp health. In fact, many of the shampoos and conditioners we are using have harsh chemicals, fragrances, dyes, parabens, and toxins that are working against us, not for us. We recommend our Hair Growth System Products. This medical grade system which consists of, a Rapid Growth Serum, our Replenish Shampoo, and the Restorative Conditioner. These work together to prep the scalp for maximum hair growth and to arrest hair loss. Visible results can be seen within one month of use. (sold in clinics only, available soon for online purchase).

Stress- This is a huge factor we examine in regards to people with hair loss and thinning. At Peak, we investigate and treat the underlying causes of health problems, which often times is stress. We look at adrenal function, as well as, the bodies reaction to stress on hormones and the endocrine system. We ensure our patients are offered the necessary natural options, and tools to handle their stress in a health way. Our best-selling natural supplement AM STRESS re-calibrates cortisol rhythms during the day to rev up energy, endurance, stamina, focus, and improve your ability to manage stress.

Supplements & Vitamin Infusions- PRP scalp results can be magnified exponentially with the help of both supplements such as our GELATIN which helps builds connective tissue in hair, skin, and nails, as well as our infusions which deliver high doses of vitamins and nutrients directly into your blood stream. Many of our infusions contain B complex vitamins that play a crucial role in the overall health of the scalp and the hair.

When talking about any health or esthetic concern, it is so important to realize there is more than one cause, and you can treat an area of concern multiple ways at the same time for best results.

So many procedures and treatments can be fully optimized by targeting several aspects of health that could be contributing to the problem. We hope you enjoyed this post and that you will seek care form a medical team that is listening to all your concerns and doing the most to benefit you! Thanks for reading!

The adrenal glands (AKA the stress glands) may be small, but they have a big purpose. Located on top of each kidney, these endocrine glands are quite useful when a true flight-or-fight situation arises, such as running from a bear or making a split decision to avoid getting hit by a car. However, our bodies can start to experience hormonal havoc when that same surge of the flight-or-fight response occurs several times per day.

-What is adrenal burn out and why do we get it?

Burnout can happen quite quickly when our lives are filled with stressors that throw us into adrenal overdrive. When your boss drops a critical remark, kids misbehave, problems with families and relationships arise, we don’t get done what we absolutely need to get done, and information overload from social media and the online world just adds to the problem! When we consider the daily accumulation of these stressors, it isn’t hard to understand why many of us are experiencing adrenal fatigue.

-What are some signs and symptoms that my adrenal glands are fatigued?

When our adrenal glands are overworked, your energy is depleted and your ‘get-up-and-go” plummets. You could feel tired and wired – all at the same time. You may have palpitations, feel anxious or have trouble sleeping. You may crave salt. You may get dizzy when you stand up. You may have low blood pressure. You might even have sugar cravings, because your body can’t regulate your blood sugar properly. These are all clues that you could have adrenal problems.

-What are some treatments?

The first step would be to see a medical provider for evaluation of your hormones, cortisol levels, and to determine anything else that could be causing the symptoms listed above. Providers at Peak Medical Clinic are experts in functional medicine and hormones imbalances, and can address your health concerns or questions during an appointment. If it seems like adrenal glands are the culprit, supplements are one of the simplest ways to boost them. We use a variety of wonderful herbs at Peak Medical Clinic that can help you adapt to and conquer stress. Try adding the following to your daily supplement routine to help balance adrenals:

Siberian ginseng, rhodiola or cordyceps – all wonderful herbs that also help your stress response. We recommend the BalanceDocs “AM stress” supplement sold online and at all Peak Medical Clinic locations.

Vitamin C (500 to 1000mg, once a day), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 (all found in our “AM stress” supplement that has been successful for thousands of our patients here at Peak).

Ashwagandha, magnolia, theanine (from green tea), and phosphatidylserine can help manage an overactive stress response (Ashwagandha is also in our “AM STRESS”) The “PM STRESS” supports the suppression of cortisol at night so that you can turn off your brain and fall into a deep sleep. The combination of AM and PM STRESS will help recalibrate your natural and optimal cortisol rhythm.

Other ways to fight adrenal burn out include:

Removing Stressors: Take the time each day to identify emotional or situational stressors that you can eliminate.

QUALITY Sleep: Get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. It is important to go to sleep by 10 p.m. because our adrenals do most of their work repairing the body between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Our “sleep” supplement is an all-natural herbal nutrient blend that will help you optimize your sleep – without waking up groggy or spending the next morning playing catch-up! Also, it is important to avoid caffeine if you can, which may interrupt sleep patterns. If you are photosensitive you should avoid computers, TV, and bright lights for 1 hour before bedtime.

Exercise: 20-30 minutes per day. Include aerobic (cardiovascular), anaerobic (weights and resistance), and flexibility (stretching or yoga). Do not over-do it; do not over-stress your body with excessive exercise that will stimulate cortisol production and “wake you up.”

You can feel encouraged that the body can heal itself with a specific plan aimed at controlling stress – especially emotional stress. Making serious diet, sleep, supplement, and lifestyle changes can quickly and significantly improve how you feel.

There’s no need to stress out and fatigue your adrenals more by trying to implement all the suggested remedies at once. Think about one you can try this week, and then add another each week so that you can focus on becoming healthier over time rather than stressed by your “to-do” list!

It’s often said that men take better care of their cars than their bodies. While that might be true, it’s now more important than ever for men to get regular medical checkups. After all, you only get one body – so why are so many men blowing it with their health?

When it comes to many guys, the car analogy of “preventative maintenance” is a great way for a spouse or a friend to approach the topic, because let’s face it, most men aren’t going to bring it up (or remember to care 😊).

Next time you are with them, ask the man in your life how long they usually wait until changing the oil…about every 5,000 miles?

What about how often they get their car washed? Detailed? Check the tire pressure? Fill up on gas? Put on their seatbelt? Clean out empty water bottles in the back?

If you know any of the men we know, the answer is that nearly every day they’re doing something for their car. We put in precious time and effort to ensure that our cars, boats, phones, and electronics run right and are completely up to date but many men (and women) are turning a blind eye to the most important thing in life – preventative health. We aren’t talking about just working out and eating right, we are talking about getting into the clinic and getting that checkup or exam you canceled for work reasons last year and still haven’t rescheduled.

When you use the “miles on the car” analogy, you may mention that if they are changing their oil every 3 months or taking the car in for service once or twice a year, then they should be treating their health the same way, or even better.

Shouldn’t they be getting an annual checkup and exam every year? Wouldn’t it be wise to be getting your blood drawn every 3-6 months as you get older to detect changes in your physiology that maybe stress and work are suppressing you from feeling?

Usually around age 40 (but really at any age), health can start to change quickly. What’s scary is that many men aren’t as “in touch” with their health as women tend to be. As we age, we realize that health problems happen more frequently; with problems such as failing life-saving vitality hormones (Testosterone), inflammation, sluggish liver from an overload of toxins, as well as or primary organs beginning to slow down. For this reason, it is essential that men take more disciplined and consistent steps to optimize health.

Many health-related problems can be detected and remedied early. Men often have no distinguishable early symptoms with conditions such as heart disease, colon cancer, hormone imbalances, or diabetes. However, simple tests such as cholesterol panels, Testosterone and thyroid hormone screening, blood glucose/insulin levels, complete blood count, and mercury testing provide the information needed to help head off medical problems early on.

Cancer is a subject typically off-limits to men. It’s something men just do not talk about. Call it “invulnerability” or “immunity”, but some men tend to think they can’t get sick. Confidence and fearlessness are qualities we might admire in men, but in terms of health they can be fatal. According to the research, two-thirds of cancers can be prevented with lifestyle changes and/or early detection. More than half of all new cancers can be detected early. So… an annual physical exam and bloodwork could save his life.

When your “special man” – friend, brother, father, son – goes for his next checkup, he should talk to his doctor about how he can stay healthy and young, no matter what his age. Ask for a complete hormone panel and complete blood count (CBC) panel or ask your provider what panels would be best based on your personal history and information. Balancing hormones is just as important for men as it is for women, as it helps prevent heart disease, relieves depression, reduces body fat, and improves zest for life, sex drive, energy, endurance, strength, and stamina. Hormone balance can also improve his physique, aid in the struggle against weight gain, and help him feel great emotionally, mentally, and physically!

“Ignorance is not bliss, ignorance is disease”

Let us remember this and have it enlighten us and those we love on our wellness journey.

Don’t let him (or yourself) wait, that oil change is way overdue. Take action today: put it on the schedule, commit to it, and make an appointment with one of our primary care practitioners and certified hormone experts. We know you won’t regret it.

TOP TEN SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE HYPOTHROIDISM

Plus the Resources to Get You Balanced

At any given time, one can experience a down-turn in our primary metabolism gland known as the thyroid. There are numerous problems related to the endocrine system and many problems related to the thyroid gland. Let’s talk about one of the most common problems– hypothyroidism.

When I was in nursing schooland learning about the complex endocrine system, one of my most knowledgeable and educated professors, Dr. H, said that a simple way to start understanding the basic concept of the thyroid, whether that be hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, is to think of the work thyroid as “energy!” Therefore, hypothyroid would equal not enough metabolic energy, and hyperthyroid would mean too much metabolic energy.

There are numerous problems related to the endocrine system and many problems related to the thyroid gland. Let’s talk about one of the most common problems– hypothyroidism.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck.

Though this gland is small, it is extremely powerful. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an ENORMOUS impact on your health, essentially affecting all aspects of your metabolism (your energy). For example, they maintain the rate at which your body uses calories, help regulate thermogenesis, affect your heart rate, control inflammation, movement, stamina, brain function, heart health, weight control, mood, immunity, and digestion.

Here are the top 10 most common most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism:

1. Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is feeling completely worn out. Thyroid hormone controls energy balance and can influence whether you feel ready to take on the world, or take another nap. A classic sign of low thyroid is “hitting the wall” in the afternoon.

2. Weight gain

Hypothyroidism hits the trifecta in regard to weight gain. It signals the body store more calories, burn fewer calories, and send signals to the brain to eat more. Not exactly the roadblock we need when trying to get ready for a wedding, loose that baby weight, or drop those last stubborn pounds.

3. Constipation

In the most simple of explanations– it puts a brake on your colon. Constipation has numerous causes and the majority of people who have constipation don’t have hypothyroidism. However, if you are noticing several of these signs and symptoms relate to you it, would be a good idea to start thinking about the next step to take for hormone evaluation.

4. Feeling cold

This may be very noticeable or discrete at first, and get worse as time goes on. Your basal metabolic rate is the number of calories to keep your body functioning at rest (meaning how many calories we are burning at rest). With hypothyroidism your BMR is lowered, therefore you produce less heat and are more sensitive to the cold.

5. Thinning hair

Just when you thought this little gland couldn’t be responsible for any more, it turns out your hair (yes the hair you spend money and countless energy dry-barring, styling, and dyeing) is being effected by your thyroid too.

Hair follicle cells are rapidly growing and these cells are regulated by thyroid hormone. When the thyroid is under-active is causes hair follicles to stop regenerating. What’s worse? Studies have shown many people who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism that presented with hair loss also had developed coarse hair.

6. Pain/Swelling of the joints & Puffy Eyes

Fluid retention, especially in regard to the face, is very common. So is pain and swelling of the joints – with no good explanation for the pain.

7. Feeling depressed & lack of motivation

Hormone fluctuations in postpartum women can be linked to be a common cause of hypothyroidism, which could potentially be a contributing factor to postpartum depression experienced in many women.

Whether depression is caused, magnified, or unrelated to the thyroid, is a very serious and a good reason to seek out help from a friend, therapist, physician, or practitioner. The practice of yoga and mindfulness are great ways to help increase feelings of well-being and give yourself time to relax and restore the busy mind from the overload of stress, chaos, and the never ending to do list stored in our iPhone notes also.

8. Dry Skin

Skin cells are similar to hair follicle cells when it comes to their short lifespan. They are sensitive to loosing growth signals from the thyroid. Skin problems can be attributed to so many things with the amount of sensitivities people are developing with the dangerous rise in thousands of new products with toxic ingredients hitting the market every year. For this reason, blood work is crucial in hormone testing and treatment, and could even help you rule out an ongoing skin problem in the end.

9. Muscle weakness

Catabolism is a condition where your body is starting to break down vital body tissues, such as muscle, to provide more energy for the body. When your metabolism is slowed down enough, as in an under-active thyroid, your body starts to panic and adjusts by switching from metabolism to catabolism. This process can be painful and give your muscle aches while decreasing your overall sense of physical well-being. Sounds fun, right?

10. Altered or impaired memory: Brain Fog

Mental fog and a reduction in the ability to concentrate with clarity is a common side effect. It’s important to remember difficulty concentrating can be attributed to countless things and can happen to everyone at certain times for no medical reason at all. That being said, it is an important and common presentation of thyroid problems and should be addressed as a top sign and symptom to be aware of.

It is very important to understand the signs and symptoms vary widely on the severity, progressions, and specific type of thyroid issue you may have. The down-regulation of the thyroid can develop slowly over several years, and may not always be noticeable.

Many people may attribute these symptoms to stress in their life or part of the “normal aging process” without knowing what is really causing significant symptoms that often require other medications to fix. Another surprising fact is that women are eight times more likely to develop a thyroid disorder than men, and are particularly prone to thyroid issues.

So what can I do?

Today we discussed one of many hormone issues women and men can experience throughout their lifetime. If you or someone you know may be experiencing multiple symptoms listed above, or is just not feeling their absolute best, don’t shrug it off and think the symptoms are “just the way it is.” This imbalance in the thyroid can be easily detected with a simple blood test looking at the entire hormone profile to insure all levels are in the perfect balance.

At Peak we offer comprehensive hormone testing and intensive analysis of symptoms. With this information, our hormone experts will create a treatment program aimed at fixing deficiencies and re-establishing the correct balance between male and female hormones, thyroid, brain chemicals, gut health and adrenal-stress glands, using the most natural and individualized approach possible.

At Peak Medical, it’s our mission to help you resolve your nagging symptoms and to help you age better, with less age-related problems. We are dedicated to helping you live your best life and to creating a personal plan just for you. Let us help you save precious time and energy by giving you the tools to change your life—and most likely the lives of those around you. Good luck on your journey to wellness wherever it may take you. The best is really yet to come!

This is one of the most important things you can do to turn the tide on fatigue. Start today and get out there for 20 minutes to wake up your body. The problem with us today is that we work our brains all week long and then forget to work out body-which leaves us feeling wiped out. There must be a balance between our brains and our body – which can only happen when you are moving your body daily and working up to a sweat.

Stimulating your heart with exercise oxygenates your blood and gives every organ in your body the boost it needs to feel invigorated. It also has the added benefit of clearing your mind, creating less “mental heaviness” and helps to balance your stress hormones and insulin levels –both of which can create fatigue if off kilter.

Try the 10-minute rule. Make a special deal with yourself and move your body for 10 minutes instead of plopping down to watch TV to relax. If you want to quit after 10 minutes you can but chances are once you start you will be able to lay down 30 minutes, no problem! Another option might be to just walk around the block when you are wiped out. Walking is particularly helpful for energy and clearing the mind and good for those who are experiencing back pain. A recent study on the effects of 10 minutes of walking revealed that it not only increased energy, but the effects lasted for 2 additional hours afterwards.

Lift weights, do Yoga, or try my favorite combination –DAILY sit-ups, push-ups, and lunges in 3 sets. These simple exercises work the entire body and really do re-shape you, keep you from losing muscle mass with age (real energy-zapper) and keep you looking lean and fit!

Take a POWER NAP – close your office door, slip out to your car or drop down on the couch for a quick power nap. These cat naps will help boost your mood, memory, lower stress levels, and increase productivity. Take a smart nap and aim to get the nap in before 2pm, and make it for 20 min or less.

Clean up your SLEEP patterns.

Get to sleep before 11pm (you make essential hormones starting at 11pm – that you can’t miss out on)

Aim for 9 hours nightly – with stress you will need more sleep

Take a STRESS PM supplement to “turn off your brain” and get to sleep and stay asleep. Click here to order STRESS PM. and get your Cortisol rhythms back in sync.

Keep the room pitch dark – even covering up the red numbers on your alarm clock

Keep the room cool- 68 degrees

Keep your cell phone away from your head and silenced.

Kick out the animals and do not let them interrupt your sleep!

Don’t use the computer before sleeping (the light and stimulation of material you are reading sends up stress hormone levels and wakes your brain up)

Take a natural SLEEP –brain supplement to aid in deep –restful sleep that will help you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated – click here to order SLEEP

It’s all about Chemistry!

Hormones!

If you are feeling the symptoms of HORMONE LOSS (PMS, Pre-menopause, or Andropause – male loss of hormone) this may be the direct cause of your fatigue. Consider taking the hormone quiz on this site to determine if it is time to get balanced hormonally. This has a profound effect on your energy. I have tested thousands of men and women over the last 20 years and I must say that improving hormone balance and correcting what each person is uniquely low in, has a tremendous effect on energy. Go to the hormone site to learn more about how you can be tested and treated for optimal mood, energy, sleep, and vitality! Click here for a Hormone Balancing Test and Consultation.

Check your THYROID

A constant low energy or the classic “hitting the wall in the afternoon” may be an underlying low thyroid level. Insist on a full thyroid hormone panel when tested or Click here for testing options for the thyroid. The thyroid has 200 functions in the body, and the metabolism and energy are in the top 5 functions. Do not let this go untreated, as it has a negative effect on your heart, brain, and weight if left untreated.

Check your Ferritin level

Low iron storage will not only create a terrible feeling of fatigue, it can lead to headaches, dizziness (especially when you stand up quickly from the floor), easy bruising, and heavy periods. This can be corrected easily with the right iron formula and can wipe out fatigue quickly! Ask for a ferritin level at your medical appointment and shoot for a level of 50 or greater! Recent studies also confirm that optimizing ferritin levels increases dopamine in the brain – which induces a feeling of “well –being”.

Take a Daily ENERGY supplement

The type of energy supplement can have a significant effect on your energy. The careful formulation of the exact herbs and botanicals to boost your energy will help get you back on track quickly! Click here for Balance Docs ENERGY supplement.

Consider taking Magnesium

This not only boosts your energy, but will help strengthen your bones, keep your heart, nerves, and immune system functioning optimally. Sprinkle sesame seeds on your veggies (loaded with magnesium) and include in your diet dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and high fiber foods.

Stress Supplements

Stress supplements are key to help regulate your cortisol (energy stress hormone) this is important to keep you functioning at a high level during the day- managing your stress and then putting your brain to sleep at night and recovering. To learn more about optimal stress rhythms or to order the STRESS PACK supplements click here http://balancedocs.com/product/rebalance-stress-pm/

It’s time to stop moping around with low energy levels and start to pump up your mojo with these Food ENERGY boosters that research has clearly shown to work. I have used these in my practice for years now and they have proven effective with thousands of patients. Start today!

7 Easy Steps to Regain Energy!

Get pumped up with PROTEIN first thing!

Carb loading is really over-rated! Unless you are planning on running 15 miles in the morning, it is doubtful that you need big carbs. Instead wake up your brain and muscles and achieve high levels of alertness with protein! Protein contains tyrosine, an amino acid that elevates the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine – which turns on your brain and wakes you up! These important aminos increase your satiety, which will help you to feel full and say NO to the breads and sweets that induce rollercoaster highs and lows with your energy! Eat lean proteins or plant proteins throughout the day – an egg(s) or high protein/high fiber cereal or slow cooked oatmeal with berries for breakfast, 10 almonds for snack, salad with chicken for lunch, cup of Greek yogurt for afternoon snack, and fish/veggies for dinner. You will feel great eating like this and will drop the belly fat fast!

Always begin your day with a POWER Breakfast – this will give you what you need to say NO to cravings and fatigue later in the day. The kick off meal of the day must be balanced in order for you to not hit the wall in the afternoon.

Studies show that people who eat breakfast report better moods throughout the day, higher levels of energy, and on average 400 less calories consumed each day. Studies also reveal that missing meals throughout the day or eating meals high in carbohydrate will leave you with a greater feeling of fatigue throughout the day.

Cut Back on Sugar

Eating too much sugar in your diet is the fastest way to burn out your energy. Sugar or breads will send your glucose and insulin levels up and will continue to do so throughout the day if you eat or drink foods with added sugar – Sending levels of insulin and glucose up – creates more waves of fatigue, cravings, depression and a nice fat tire around your mid-section. 4 grams of sugar = 1 tsp. of sugar – this means that a mocha and a muffin contain about 30 tsp. of sugar in them. Now just imagine eating 30 tsp. of sugar in the morning for breakfast… is it any wonder why you are wiped out. Sugar is a depressant –end of story.

Eat HIGH ENERGY foods

Colorful veggies – and lots of them – limited fruit, lean proteins, legumes, nuts, seeds, good fats, and high fiber foods. See my diet program for best results!

Stop eating ENERGY SUCKING foods

These are foods that are high glycemic carbohydrates (see www.glycemicindex.com) this will help you find foods that are zapping your energy. The high glycemic foods measure the speed at which a food you eat turns to sugar in your mouth. This in turn creates high insulin levels, which wipes you out and makes you fat. You get an initial boost (actually some people do not even get a boost), but then you hit a trough that is lower than your energy was before you ate the high glycemic sugar/bread type food. These foods include all WHITE foods (I call them the WICKED WHITES) potatoes, white rice, foods made from flour, i.e. crackers, cereals, cookies, starches, etc. These foods must be eaten with extreme caution. Worst of all, the energy that isn’t burned (if you carb load and don’t ride your bike 20 miles afterwards) it gets stored as fat.

Eat five or six small meals a day

This keeps your metabolism up and your energy evenly distributed thorough out the day. Eat small meals – eat slowly and take your time! Pair complex carbs that are high in fiber (beans, peas, veggies) with unsaturated fats, (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, olives). Add protein, such as lean meats, nuts, fish, and edamame, as part of your dish for added brain function and energy.

WATER – your best friend!

Stay hydrated throughout the day. If you are to the point where you’re feeling thirsty, you are already on the verge of dehydration. A drop of 2.5% in hydration is one of the most efficient energy suckers. In fact if you feel thirsty and tired, drinking a full glass of water will most likely wake you up instantly. If you are dragging around and feeling foggy in the brain – please grab a glass of water –BEFORE you grab an energy drink! Those that stay hydrated on average eat 10% less calories per day. Water increases the metabolism and creates a feeling of fullness. Aim for 1 gallon of water per day – and flush out the toxins in your body that also are contributing to your fatigue.

Skip the Night Cap!

While alcohol may help you go to sleep, it will interfere with your deep sleep and make you feel wiped out when its time to wake up in the morning.

Energy

If you used to a be a HIGH ENERGY person and now you are finding yourself repeating the mantra MUST STAY AWAKE every afternoon as your eyes are drooping and the yawns keep coming. Let’s face it fatigue, exhaustion, and just being plain pooped out are international epidemics. Women who are burning the candle at both ends (and men too) are especially are plagued with flagging energy.

Well… the good news is there is an answer to your flailing energy levels and if you follow these steps and hit the problem from 4 different angles; you will most definitely find your energy and stamina coming back to you like a long lost friend!

There are 4 areas that must be addressed for the best results in improving energy.